United stars face 25% wage cut

Manchester United's players face a pay cut of up to 25 per cent if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to The Sun.

The policy, backed by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill, was introduced three years ago and, while it does not apply to all senior players, new signings and players renewing contracts have had to accept it.

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And the newspaper quotes a source as saying: "United aren't the only Premier League club with this policy. They felt it was fair players should be rewarded for reaching the top four but also share the financial pain if they miss out."

The report also claims it throws Wayne Rooney's future at Old Trafford into doubt.

The England striker has just 18 months remaining on his contract and talks are due to begin on a new deal, but it is unlikely he would accept a wage cut clause.